02 July 2009 Balls On The Line

This week, is Man Week. And I’ve been tagged by Gavin Heaton to write about it. However, like Stan Lee, I tend not to write about much personal stuff here unless I can tie it into marketing or blogging.

Which is convenient, because my post is about this blog.

I’m still a teenager. And as my amazingly dirty attempt at a beard would suggest I’m not even sure if I can use the word “man”. In fact on some levels I’m fairly immature and don’t even act my age at the most inappropriate of times. But the biggest change in my personally, as far as I can tell, is I’m no longer as quiet as I once was.

My childhood was normal. I don’t have an amazing story to tell. My parents separated before I could say the word marriage but I can’t complain about how I was raised. I was labelled a geek at school who sat at the top of every class academic wise, but not harshly done and it was even something I called myself. While the rest of the kids were busy talking in class, I was busy working.

And I think that made me quiet. I’d still talk and socialise of course, but no one would ever mistake me for “the loud one” in the class room.

But around Year 10, I decided to start being louder. Not neccessarily talking more, just putting myself out there, taking opportunities that came up and generally expressing myself when I wanted to.

I’m not sure why, but I do remember it being a conscious decision.

And it was fun.

And it taught me my opinions and thoughts are valid.

And to not work too hard.

I think over the past five years it’s continued to build, especially when I look at how much I’ve changed since, even still if you compared to my first week at Uni to now.

And one of the ways I’ve been able to do this, is with a blog.

I’ve always said starting this blog was one of the best things I ever did, and not just career wise. This is one of those “not just career wise” things.

It’s given me a platform to express myself and express my passion.

It’s let me be as loud as I want.

It’s gotten me thinking, writing and doing something I love.

And it’s been an important aspect in shaping me into the man I am today.

so, zac, as a man, i'm interested in hearing about you believe the role is of extroversion, as opposed to introversion in being a man? and what do you think the importance is of choosing a persona in developing your identity as a man? who did you base it on? who is your man idol?

I don't think this is really about choosing a persona (although, maybe it is). To me, this was more about releasing a persona. I am honestly much more comfortable, most of the time, being louder than being quieter.

Certainly wouldn't want to suggest that being a man is being extroverted. Perhaps more about being yourself is being a man.

btw, i wasn't intending to challenge your process of 'coming out' (ha.. you know what i mean).. i went through the same thing – i'm just interested in digging a little deeper with some of the manweek posts across the board.

i think it's helpful to wonder whether it is easier being a loud man (not just you, but others too), or is being quieter a less socially-acceptable role for a man to play? and why?

being yourself – or authentic – is a great trait and i'm glad that you are 'promoting' that. so why is it so bound up in masculinity do you think?